Quick answer
Mother in Tagalog is "nanay" (formal: "ina").
Formal variant: ina
Pronunciation
Say it as nah-nai.
Usage and cultural notes
Nanay is the warm, everyday word children use at home. Ina is formal and used in literature, ceremonies, or respectful speech.
Use nanay in daily conversation. Ina appears in formal phrases like 'Ina ng Diyos'.
Example sentences
Mahal ko ang nanay ko.
I love my mother.
family affection
Nasa kusina si Nanay.
Mom is in the kitchen.
daily conversation